Stabilized cosmetic device

ABSTRACT

A STABILIZED COSMETIC DEVICE is described which employs a stem connecting a functional end, which may be a mascara brush, to a first handle. A second stem is connected to the first stem between the handle and the functional end at a hinge. The second stem is connected to a second handle. The second stem and second handle are allowed to fold substantially parallel to the first handle and stem to allow them to be inserted into a container. The first handle is designed to connect to the container and seal it. When opened, the user manipulates the first an second handles to allow the user to hold and position the cosmetic device with increased accuracy and stability as compared with prior art devices.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This is a utility patent application which is the next step since the provisional patent (60/811498) filed on Jun. 6, 2006 titled “STABILIZED COSMETIC DEVICE”.

This present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator, and more specifically to a cosmetic applicator that is easier to use compared with prior art devices.

This invention relates to an improved applicator device for applying mascara. More particularly this invention relates to a mascara device in which the handle has two pieces which are hinged allowing for a most accurate mascara application.

According to an aspect of the present invention, hinge is used as anything that would allow two objects to be joined with or without motion.

During recent years eye makeup has received increased emphasis and numerous applicators have been designed to apply mascara with less difficulty based on the design of the brush on the mascara applicator. This invention concentrates on the HANDLE of the mascara applicator. This invention increases the user's ability to accurately apply mascara by providing a handle which separates into two handles and is hinged on the stem of the mascara applicator. With these two handles available users now have the leverage of a pivot and the use of both hands to make the mascara application more controlled as opposed to the various difficulties found in trying to apply mascara with the one handed applicators.

With great care put into the present invention, the user will have access to the additional handle WITHOUT having to come in contact with the mascara substance itself.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Typically cosmetic devices such as a mascara applicator are used by many people world-wide. This device is typically a single stem applicator with an eyelash brush at its end. A handle is attached to the opposite end of the stem. The user holds the handle and manipulates the device solely by the handle. The remainder of the device typically is covered with mascara, so the user will not touch the stem or eyelash brush portion.

The user manipulates the device to align the eyelash brush with the user's eyelashes to apply the mascara. Since the eyelashes are typically ¼″ long and are on a curved surface, it is difficult to align this with the brush.

The present invention recognizes that there is difficulty in maneuvering such a device with a single hand. Also, since this is intended to be used very close to the user's face and eyes, the only visual representation is typically seen in a mirror. In this case, all Images are reversed, adding to the difficulty.

For example, if one were to apply mascara, one would have to come within ¼″ of the person's open eye to be effective. One incorrect movement more than ¼″ will cause the device to poke the user in the eye.

Also, the mascara brush must line up tangent to the curved eyelid surface. Any inaccuracies in the angle which will cause the end to deviate by more than ¼″, again, will result in the user being poked in the eye.

All of these problems occur with users who do not have any type of physical problems; however, if the user has additional physical problems, there is an additional level of inaccuracy. People with Parkinson's disease or Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, for example, have difficulty moving and unintentionally shaking.

CURRENTLY, there is a need for a cosmetic device which is easier to use, is more stable and provides more accurate results than prior art devices.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a prior art cosmetic applicator, which is a typical mascara applicator 100. It has a handle 110 with an internal threaded section 111.

There is also a stem 130 attached to the handle 110.

Stem 130 has brush 140 attached to the end of the stem 130 opposite handle 110. Brush 140 and a stem 130 are designed to fit inside of a bottle 120. Bottle 120 has an external threaded section 121 near its opening 123.

Bottle 120 is filled with the cosmetic material 125, typically a liquid, such as mascara.

Handle 110 is rotated relative to bottle 120 when stem 130 and brush 140 are fully inserted into bottle 120. Threaded section 111 of the handle 110 and threaded section 121 of bottle 120 interact with each other to pull handle 110 and bottle 120 together forming a tight seal.

The present invention recognizes that there is difficulty in maneuvering such a device with a single hand. It is intended to be used very close to the user's face and eyes, typically viewed in a mirror. The eyelids are a curved surface in which the mascara brush must line up tangent to the curved eyelid surface.

Individuals with various physical impairments also have difficulty in maneuvering a mascara applicator with only one hand.

THEREFORE, additional stabilizing points are required. If the device is held at two points of contact instead of one, the device is then held in a more stabile manner. The use of two handles attached at a hinge which creates a pivot completely solves that need. It creates balance and appropriate resistance and maneuverability which all together creates accuracy. Since mascara is applied within a ¼″ of the eye accuracy is the most important factor in a mascara application experience.

If one attaches another anchoring device to the stem, it would have to fold against the first stem 1210.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in its open position. The present invention 1000 has a first handle 1110 and a second handle 1120. First handle 1110 is connected to, and supports one end of a first stem 1210. The other end of the first stem 1210 connects to a functional end 1300. The functional end may be a brush, comb, or other cosmetic device.

By moving first handle 1110, the first stem 1210 and the functional end 1300 move as a single unit. A second stem 1220 is shown attached to the first stem 1210 at a point 1230 between the first handle 1110 and the functional end 1300.

The second stem is designed to pivot at a hinge, and all variations of a hinge, 1230 such that second stem 1220 may be opened away from first stem 1210, but be folded against first stem 1210 and fit into the first handle 1110 for storage.

In FIG. 2 a threaded section 1111 provides external threading to interlock with internal threading (121 FIG. 3).

Second stem 1220 is made long enough to extend into first handle 1110. A second handle 1120 connects to a second stem 1220 allowing the device to be manipulated from two points. This allows greater stability and ease of use. Movement of one handle relative to the other handle causes the functional end 1300 to move in a desired direction. This includes both longitudinal motion of the functional end, but also rotational motion around an axis passing through the center of the first stem.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the stabilized cosmetic device 1000 according to the present invention as it appears in its stored and unopened position.

FIG. 3, second stem 1220 is allowed to pivot on hinge, and all variations of a hinge, 1230 to fold flat against first stem 1210. In this configuration, the first stem 1210, the second stem 1220, the hinge 1230 and the functional end 1300 may be easily inserted into opening 123 of bottle 120.

This arrangement causes second handle 1120 to fit inside of first handle recess 1130 causing the handles to provide a pleasing appearance. Also, the handle recess 1130 is designed to cause second handle 1120 to snap into place, holding it securely.

Bottle 120 has an internal threaded section 121 near its opening 123.

Bottle 120 as described above, may be filled with any liquid cosmetic material 125.

First handle 1110 is rotated relative to bottle 120 when the stems 1210, 1220, the hinge 1230 and the functional end 1300 are inserted into bottle 120. External threaded section 1111 of the first handle 1110 and internal threaded section 121 of bottle 120 interact with each other to pull first handle 1110 and bottle 120 together.

While several presently preferred embodiments of the novel invention have been described in detail herein, many modifications and variations will now become apparent to those skilled in the art. The air and essence of this present inventions embodiments are mentioned in the included claims.

SUMMARY

The present invention may also be embodied as a stabilized cosmetic device for modifying the appearance of a user comprising:

-   -   a. a handle allowing said user to hold the device, the handle         having an attachment means for attaching to a container;     -   b. functional end connecting to the handle for modifying the         appearance of the user;     -   c. a first stem connecting the functional end to the handle;     -   d. a second stem     -   e. a hinge as a connection point connecting the second stem to         the first stem;     -   f. a second handle connecting to the second stem allowing the         user a second point to hold and stabilize the cosmetic device;         and     -   g. A cosmetic container shaped and sized to receive the first         and second stems, the hinge and the functional end, and the         container having an attachment means which cooperates with the         attachment means of the first handle to seal the first stem,         using the external threads, the second stem, the hinge and the         functional end inside the container. 

1. The STABILIZED COSMETIC DEVICE is comprised of a mascara applicator which has a main handle attached to a brush applicator by a stem and also a second handle which hinges on the stem and fits into the main handle allowing the second handle to be opened away the main handle.
 2. The STABILIZED COSMETIC DEVICE in claim 1, where in two handles are involved, where as the handles are joined on the stem by a hinge and any means of creating a hinge are claimed. According to another aspect of the present invention, hinge is used as anything which would allow two objects to be joined with or without motion.
 3. The STABILIZED COSMETIC DEVICE reverses the threading of the seal switching the male (external) threads from the applicator tube to the applicator handle. This was necessary after the introduction of the second handle in order to keep the makeup product air tight during storage. 